Scientists around the world are working on obtaining energy from waves large waves or high tides. In Latvia researchers are looking for solutions to generate electricity using small waves.
Pēteris Lesničenoks, a researcher at our institute, admits that getting energy from small waves with traditional energy collection systems is not profitable because energy conversion and processing involves losses. However, if you are working with methods aimed at capturing all available wave energy, then the measure is beneficial enough. Scientists have developed an interesting mechanism using the magnetic field and patented this engineering solution. It is able to collect small waves of water below 1 meter and convert the wave energy into electricity. The technology has already been tested in Riga at the Pier in Mangalsala, as well as in Lake Liepāja and a special wave pool in Liepāja.
One of the most important advantages of this technology is low costs as well as the fact that in the world this area is still relatively little explored. Energy converter platform is easy-to-assemble, modular and relatively cheap. This solution could solve energy supply problems in seaside regions where energy availability is a problem. It could also be used on islands where the construction of other energy sources requires the expensive infrastructure. This solution is suitable for households and other low-power connections. The floating platform can be designed and customized individually.
It would also be possible to produce such equipment in Latvia, because the equipment and its installation is not material containing and does not require a large factory.
